That Terry Bradshaw RECIEVED (not TOOK) steroid injections at an injured body part in the 1970’s does not mean that he TOOK anabolic steroids daily to gain overall muscle mass and strength, as well as speed.

I understand that it’s 06/24/08 in a 24/7 “we have to find some sports-related controversy” about which to talk, but if you think that Terry Bradshaw’s taking anti-inflammatory steroid injections into an injured joint in the 1970’s when the knowledge about the benefits/risks of such prescribed treatments were nebulous at best, or that the Steelers were the ONLY team who had physicians/trainers/players employing such practices at the time (yes, they operated in a vacuum for a decade, winning 4 Super Bowls in 6 years, and held a magical elixir that only the great pharmacological minds in Western PA could unlock), then you didn’t attend the same medical school that I currently attend.

“70’s Steeler players, presumably due to steroid use, are dying off like NYC construction workers”? Steve Courson’s steroid use and tragic death are well publicized. He played for the Steelers from 1978-1983 (during which time they won their last Super Bowl of the ’70’s, likely due to his drug abuse and dominance). Ernie Holmes died in a car crash within the past year. Dwight Wight recently died due to complications from back surgery. Mike Webster’s story isn’t as simple. His struggle with mental illness is widely viewed in the medical profession as a likely result of traumatic brain injury due to his occupation, a claim that has only been substantiated over the years by countless other players. Of all of the Steeler greats from the ’70’s, are those the deaths that you classify as “numerous” and exemplary of the juiced-up Steel Curtain?

As you’ll see again this year during a MNF game, Mike Wagner, Donnie Shell, Mel Blount, Joe Greene, Rocky Blier, Franco Harris, Jack Lambert, Lynne Swann, John Stalworth, Jack Hamm, Andy Russell, etc… will ALL be on hand to commemorate and celebrate one of the greatest footbal dynasties and franchises of all time.

I’m by no means a Patriot fan, but this screams of the same sort of jealous of a team’s success that they’ve received because their coach is: 1) an a-hole, and 2) bent the rules. He was wrong to do the later, but if had not outcome on the games which that won (including those against the Steelers so often in recent years).

The Steelers of the ’70s didn’t sneak up on anyone, including the Vikings, Rams, Dolphins, Raiders or Cowboys. That the rest of the league weren’t able to match the drafting, coaching, talent and drive of one of, if not THE best football teams/franchises ever, isn’t because Terry got a cortisone shot in his shoulder. That may make Browns, Bengals, (add your “never won a Super Bowl” team here) fans sleep better at night, but it’s nothing more than jealousy and rationalization for your teams impotence.

Then again, what do I know? I’m only 8 months from graduating medical school. Perhaps I can intern with Drs. Patrick or Brown.

Real word anecdotes provide insight that controlled animal studies are not capable of rendering.

Thank you,
Dr. Neal C. Murphy, UCLA Los Angeles